Awesome! I'm the same as Sonic, I never got past level 3 even using shield; after a while the damned missiles were after me I was smashed down.

Your videos remember me about Firehawk also. I was so happy when Rieks released the translation, I was finally able to understand the story, the ending is just great and unexpected. I uploaded the english intro video here. The translation is well worth the price and every Thexder/Firehawk fan should have it.

@ FiXato - There are three Geishas in level 3 that give me a fair amount of Energy and Energy Max. However, if I destroy many enemies in level 3, I won't be able to reach the geishas and exit the level without running out of time (loads of homing missiles!). So I prefer to run as fast as I can, only destroying enemies that give me energy or energy max.